In the summer 1996 issue of this journal, Donal M. Sacken analyzed 252 cases of administrator-initiated litigation arising from adverse personnel decisions. Chester C. Kent criticizes Sacken for specifically: (1) the indiscriminate mixture of involuntary demotions with demotions and terminations for cause; (2) creating a nontraditional format as a…

Discusses satisfaction and issues pertaining to job retention among college faculty of color. Considers their satisfaction in environments where they are a minority, their perseverance and survival in tenure and promotion, reactions to a nonsupportive environment, and specific factors contributing to job satisfaction. Concludes that faculty of…

Examines concepts from diversity theory and research using selected film scenes. Describes major workforce diversity concepts and then describes and analyzes film scenes for many concepts. Film continues to give the classroom instructor major resources for enhancing the teaching of diversity theory and concepts. (Author/AEF)

Analysis of Australian and U.S. data suggests key features likely to characterize high-performance workplaces: adoption of global best practices, leveraging of knowledge as a competitive tool, emphasis on translating workers' tacit knowledge for use, need for functional and numerical flexibility of the labor force, and a shift from labor relations…

Investigates types of organizational rumors, their prevalence and effects, effectiveness of rumor management strategies, and associated psychological and situational variables. Finds 3 distinct dimensions of rumor effects: external ramifications (bad press), internal attitudes (lowered morale), and internal behaviors (increased absenteeism). (NH)

Discusses the problems associated with reduced availability of paid work due to technological advances and the diminishing supply of labor as living standards rise and people choose early retirement. (JOW)

In an interview with William Bridges, the author of "JobShift" discusses the changing world of jobs. He indicates that for many industries, job descriptions are irrelevant and suggests that people need to learn their own strengths and resources to increase their opportunities. (JOW)

Three adults with developmental disabilities in supported-employment settings were successfully taught self-management strategies for addressing hygiene issues. The intervention included: a checklist with steps necessary to address particular hygiene issues, modeling the steps to each participant, providing praise and feedback, and teaching the…

In-depth interviews with 12 diversity experts identified organizational and individual barriers inhibiting development of a diverse workforce. Primary reasons for diversity initiatives included improving productivity, enhancing social responsibility, and addressing legal concerns. (SK)

Examined how five teacher leaders perceived themselves and others as they worked in their leadership roles. Interviews with five practicing teacher leaders indicated that their simultaneous needs for achievement and affiliation created a conflict in the school workplace that had negative outcomes. Important supports for teacher leadership included…

Identifies major trends that are affecting the field of workforce learning and performance improvement: the effort given to managing knowledge, the integration of learning and communication, a resurgence of interest in leadership development and executive coaching, and the requirement by employees that career development become an integral part of…

A survey of 112 African-American professionals in predominantly White workplaces found that work- and race-related stressors independently influenced job satisfaction. Internal locus of control and collegial/supervisory support lessened stress. Nonwork social support did not buffer effects of race-related stressors. (SK)

Occupational social skills are defined and their importance is highlighted. Four ways to develop appropriate training are offered: adapting commercial general social skills programs, adopting commercial social skills programs with an occupational focus, developing a program based on SCANS, and developing a program based on ecological assessment.…

Examined relationships between worksite influences and smoking and quitting behavior among adolescent grocery employees. Surveys on interpersonal, intrapersonal, and organizational factors indicated that regular smokers were 30 percent more likely to receive co-worker encouragement to quit than occasional and experimental smokers. Compared to…

Examines and challenges theories of account giving and public image following an accusation of sexual harassment in the workplace, using college students and working adults as subjects. Challenges the existing theories of account giving and public image, and lays to rest the notion that full apologies and excuses are mitigating in serious account…